Scaly, Slimy, and Seriously Misunderstood: Why Reptiles and Amphibians Need Our Empathy
Scaly, Slimy, and Seriously Misunderstood: Why Reptiles and Amphibians Need Our Empathy
Reptiles and amphibians, better known as herps, don’t get nearly the same love as furry or feathered creatures. While people rush to help baby birds or admire a majestic wolf, the reaction to a snake or salamander is often the opposite. Fear, disgust, or outright hostility tend to follow these misunderstood animals. But here’s the truth: herps are as fascinating, meaningful, and deserve protection as other wildlife. Many of them are in serious trouble, facing habitat destruction, climate change, and human persecution.
Let’s clarify the facts about these incredible creatures, highlight some of the most endangered species in the U.S., and discuss how we can help change the narrative.
Living on the Edge: Human Encroachment and Habitat Loss
One of the biggest threats to reptiles and amphibians is habitat destruction. Wetlands are drained, forests are cleared, and natural spaces are replaced with roads, farms, and urban sprawl. This isn’t just an inconvenience for many species, it’s a death sentence.
Take the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), for example. This massive, wrinkly salamander (the largest in North America!) once thrived in clean, fast-moving rivers. Now, thanks to pollution, dam construction, and silt buildup from deforestation, their numbers are plummeting. Despite their unfortunate name and alien-like appearance, these salamanders are entirely harmless and crucial in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Similarly, the Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), a small, strikingly patterned freshwater turtle, is disappearing due to wetland destruction and illegal collection for the pet trade. With slow reproductive rates and particular habitat needs, these turtles struggle to recover from population losses.
The Unseen Persecution of Snakes and Tortoises
While habitat destruction is devastating, some reptiles face another unique challenge: direct human persecution. Many people still view snakes and other cold-blooded creatures as dangerous or expendable, leading to unnecessary killings.
The Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi) is a perfect example. This glossy, deep-blue serpent is the longest native snake in the U.S. and is critical in controlling rodent and venomous snake populations. But as their habitat in the southeastern longleaf pine forests disappears, so do they. Historically, indigo snakes have suffered from being captured for the pet trade and gassing. In this cruel practice, people pump gasoline into gopher tortoise burrows to flush out rattlesnakes, unintentionally killing countless other burrow-dwelling species, including the indigo snake.
Speaking of Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), these slow-moving land reptiles are essential ecosystem engineers. Their burrows shelter over 350 species, including insects, amphibians, and mammals. But as development spreads, gopher tortoises are losing their sandy, open habitats. In some cases, they’re even paved over, literally. Many other species lose vital shelter without these tortoises, creating a domino effect of ecosystem collapse.
Venomous Villains? The Truth About Rattlesnakes
No reptile faces more unnecessary hatred than the rattlesnake. These animals are frequently killed on sight, often in brutal ways. But rattlesnakes are not the monsters people think they are; they’re shy and defensive and prefer to avoid humans whenever possible.
Take the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Once common in forests across the eastern U.S., this species has been wiped out in several states due to habitat loss and targeted extermination. Many are killed during "rattlesnake roundups," events where large numbers of rattlesnakes are collected (often through inhumane means) and slaughtered. The loss of these apex predators disrupts entire ecosystems, leading to unchecked rodent populations and an imbalance in the food web.
How You Can Help Herps
Conserving reptiles and amphibians starts with awareness, but it also requires action. One of the best ways to support these species is by backing organizations specializing in their protection. The Orianne Society is a leading nonprofit dedicated to conserving reptiles, amphibians, and the ecosystems they depend on. They focus on protecting critical habitats, conducting research, and educating the public about the importance of these misunderstood animals. Supporting groups like the Orianne Society means helping genuine, on-the-ground conservation efforts.
You can also help by:
Protecting wetlands and forests: Avoid disrupting natural habitats and advocate for land conservation in your area.
Leaving snakes alone: Most snakes, including venomous ones, want nothing to do with you. If you see one, appreciate it from a safe distance and let it go on its way.
Keeping wild turtles wild: Never take a turtle from the wild as a pet; if you see one crossing a road, help it in its direction.
Spreading the word: Encourage friends and family to appreciate reptiles and amphibians instead of fearing them.
Empathy Starts with Understanding
Reptiles and amphibians are not villains, pests, or expendable creatures. They are ancient, complex, and essential members of our ecosystems. They deserve the same respect and protection as any other wildlife. By shifting our perspective and taking action, we can ensure that species like the Eastern Indigo Snake, Gopher Tortoise, and Hellbender continue to thrive for generations.
So next time you see a snake slithering through your yard or hear about a salamander struggling to survive, take a moment to appreciate these incredible animals. The more we learn, the more we care, and the more we care, the better their chances of survival.